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Showing posts with label marco polo cucina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marco polo cucina. Show all posts
Friday, October 13, 2017
MARCO POLO MANILA STAYCATION: The Dining Destination In Ortigas

I was simply blown away. That was how I felt about my recent stay at MARCO POLO MANILA. As a foodie, I realized that the hotel has some of the best restaurants to dine in when in Ortigas. No need to brave the traffic. Rather, everything that you want is just a stone throw away.  Plus, the stay and the culture of caring in this Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Rated Hotel, is present in every gesture and evident with how they treat their guests.
As I have written an In-Depth Staycation Guide for Marco Polo Manila (which you can check out here), this article would basically touch base and update some of the useful information that I have recently learned and experienced first hand. The check-in is fast and efficient at the 24th floor lobby. Here, guests are greeted with cold drinks upon check-in which is usually at 2pm.
For this particular stay, I was billeted at a deluxe room with a king size bed. The difference between the superior and the deluxe would be the location of the room. The deluxe is situated at the quieter side facing Ortigas while the Superior is facing the Antipolo side. Also it would be wise to take note of the room categories based on the type of bed the room has.
For a room with a sing king bed, the washroom usually has a see through window for you to watch the television while using the tub. Don't worry as they installed speakers there too. In contrast, rooms that are clearly marked for sharing with friends do not have this glass window amenity. It's actually the perfect perk for honeymooners.
Tech lovers would be glad to note that the telephone acts as an alarm, a charger, and even a music station. If in case you forgot your wires, the phone has different sockets for different devices. Furthermore, there's a hidden panel that acts as a way for you to charge more gadgets and even connect other media to the flat screen tv. For the mini bar, Marco Polo Manila made sure that your needs are met. Different alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages are present. Tea and coffee pods are available for you to enjoy.
If there was one place that I love more than the bed, it would be the wash area. Marco Polo's version is complete in every sense of the word. Upgrades were done and you have yourself the perfect hideaway.
Aside from the glass window and the newly installed bidet, the toiletries are top notch. Here, you could see that they use Trussardi for your needs. Also, they have the usuals like toothbrushes, cotton buds, and even bath salt just in case you like to exfoliate in the tub.
Aside from the sofa, the bed is the best place to be at. Marco Polo's bed is all but ready for you. There are master switches and sockets on the side for your needs. Turn down service would prepare your place of sleep. The staff would put a mat on the floor just so that you won't be bare footed when you get out of bed. During turn down service, they replenish some of the toiletries and water bottles and even tidy up a bit.
But, I am getting ahead of myself. You see, Marco Polo Manila is the hotel to stay at when you want to indulge and have a great time enjoying your food. They have a wide range of choices and different outlets that you could choose from.
The Connect Lounge, located on the same floor as the lobby, has this Afternoon Tea. From 2pm to 6pm, guests could indulge and enjoy this quick snack for 788Php. It's actually good for two persons.
If you want to have an amazing view, you should head on over to VU BAR by 5pm. Situated on the 45th floor, this place serves as the nook to be at to unwind and chill. On the Ortigas side, you have a view of the sunset. The Antipolo side, on the other hand, shows the crawling traffic to and from the city.
From 5pm to 8pm, patrons could partake of the APERITIVO. It's like a pre-dinner drink and snack. Here, you could have unlimited servings of local beer and house wine. From Monday-Wednesday, the food is ala carte, while Thursday-Saturday night, it is served buffet style.
For a taste of Chinese Cuisine, one could head on over to LUNG HIN. The in-house Chinese restaurant, Lung Hin has been racking up awards left and right.



Dishes are well thought off and are great to be shared among family and friends. The serving sizes are huge and proportional to the prices. The quality of the ingredients is remarkable. Take note though that they don't allow takeaways so it would be best to order only as much as you could eat.
If I were to be asked, the hakaw or shrimp dumpling and the sweet and sour pork are must orders when visiting LUNG HIN.

After a delightful sleep, one could head on over to CUCINA for the breakfast buffet. I got to admit, I was pleasantly surprise to see that it's more than just a buffet for breakfast. It's something that you could go to for your lunch and dinner as well. Aside from the usual Filipino dishes, healthy and well thought of international fares are present.

If the buffet is a bit too much for you, you could head on over to CAFE PRONTO. Located on the ground floor, this is the best place to have something if you're on the go. They offer sandwich meals and even freshly baked breads. They have a number of pastries and different hot and cold drinks as well.

If you want a relaxing stay and with all the perks, I would suggest investing in club access. The Club Lounge is located on the 44th floor, same as Lung Hin. Here, you are able to partake of afternoon tea, early dinner cocktails, and even breakfast. All day coffee and drinks are also served upon your request. Every time I would stay at Marco Polo, I would always ask if it's possible to upgrade to a club room or even just for access to the lounge. You see, this lounge also offers a 180 degree view of the Antipolo side. It's spectacular.
The 22nd floor holds the bulk of amenities that one could enjoy. Here, you have the FLOW SPA, FLOW FITNESS CENTRE and the POOL.
The FLOW SPA is open from 9am to 12midnight. Here, you could have your massages and take a breather. The Pool is there for you to enjoy as well. It's open from 6am to 10pm. The fitness centre is open 24/7. You just need a keycard to access it after 10pm.
Honestly, I feel that MARCO POLO MANILA has leveled up. It seems that they fine tuned everything and has anticipated the needs and wants of the guests. I realized that they heavily invested in human resources which made things perfect for them. From the house keeping to the front office and also the people behind the scenes, they did a wonderful job improving and making MARCO POLO MANILA the place to be.


RELATED LINKS:
MARCO POLO MANILA: THE IN-DEPTH STAYCATION GUIDE

MARCO POLO ORTIGAS
(02) 720 7777
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City,
Metro Manila

Disclaimer:Wrote this based on my experience. I was invited as a guest of the hotel. The stay and the dining experience were all complimentary. Thank you very much Judith and the team for having me.
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Wednesday, August 23, 2017
MARCO POLO ORTIGAS CUCINA: FROM SKETCHES TO DELICIOUS FOOD

I have no talent when it comes to art. I don't know how to draw and I still can't even get past the stick figures when it comes to making a family portrait. I was pretty much surprised as I heard that Marco Polo Ortigas was bringing in a guy that is both an artist and a chef.
  From PALETTE to PALATE. It was the name of the new promotion of MARCO POLO ORTIGAS CUCINA. 
 Rightly so because the chef is known for making beautiful sketches and drawings of his dishes just before executing them.
 Chef Ramon Antonio is one artsy chef. He creates dishes in his head with the end in mind. Plating and of course flavor and quality that comes with them.
 As you enter CUCINA, you get to see the usual offerings. From the carving station, to the on the spot cooked paella and of course the Salads, sushi and sashimi, and even a make your own pasta.
Because of this new offering, the fun starts. A twist of ideas is created when different dishes were brought out by the chef. 
For starters, he had some GINATAANG SANTOL, KINILAW BISAYA, and BIYARING. The Ginataang Santol is Bicol's version of a santol coconut dip mixed with camote chips. It has a tendecy to be over powering in terms of flavor so it might be a good idea of having this last. The Kinilaw Bisaya is a Cebuano styled mackerel ceviche. Lastly, the Biyaring is a Maranaw version of Shrimp Ceviche. These dishes aren't the usual types that you would see in the metro. In all my years of eating Filipino food, it gives me pleasure to realize that there are something more that the usual sinigang and adobo. Chef Ramon really outdid himself.
For the soup course, the BINAKOL would do the trick. Illongo grilled chicken is mixed with coconut soup to create a balance of flavors. There's a bit of saltiness that's flattened out by the sweet coconut bites mixed into the soup. This one is a must try. 
One of the mains that Chef Ramon is proud of would be the Kaldereta. Made from scratch. He did a little trick. The usual liver sauce came from foie gras and the blackened grain on the side is actually Bugas Mais or corn cooked in squid ink. This is just incredible. The meat is tender and moist while the sauce is perfect with the corn.
 For dessert, the chef also had a few surprises. Old school Filipino rice dishes were turned into works of art. Something that our grand parents would be proud off.

From PALETTE to PALATE with Chef Ramon Antonio would be available August 22 to 31 in CUCINA of Marco Polo Ortigas. Lunch for Monday-Saturday is pegged at 1,500 while dinner is 1,800 Php for Monday to Friday and Sunday. Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch is at 2,650.

RELATED LINKS:
Chinese New Year at Marco Polo

The In Depth Staycation Guide to Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

MARCO POLO ORTIGAS
Cucina
24th Floor
(02) 720 7777
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City,
Metro Manila



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Saturday, September 24, 2016
MARCO POLO MANILA'S New Chef de Cuisine: Creating Perfection

Something has changed. Something new has come to MARCO POLO MANILA. A new Chef De Cuisine has arrived.
Once you enter CUCINA, there seems to be something different. A breathe of fresh air seems to engulf the place. Meet the new CHEF DE CUISINE, GIUSSEPE RIVOLI. A native of ITALY, Chef boasts of an incredible culinary career. He is very familiar with Asian flavors as he stayed in different parts of Asia. He has headed a number of kitchens and could definitely cook to perfection.
As such, a number of his signature dishes are on display in the buffet spread of CUCINA.
CUCINA is known for making great use of fresh products and being sure of the sustainability of the ingredients. Here, you are assured that everything is delicious and well cooked. Chef GIUSSEPE takes advantage of this in his dishes.
Showcasing his cooking skills, SIGNATURE dishes were brought out. Special mention would be the BEEF CHEEK. It was partnered with couscous and created this wonderful feeling in your mouth. Slow cooked and definitely from the heart. It's like how our parents would make it. The dish reminds you of homey experiences. Delicious.
Perfectly done, the OSSOBUCCO A La MILANESE with Yellow Polenta was another dish worthy of a second serving. The sauce created a flavor that sips into the meat. The polenta is the perfect bread to scoop the sauce of the ossobucco along with the bone marrow.

One thing that meat lovers would enjoy would be the PORK BELLY. Crispy skin and deadly meat. Sliced into huge bite sized pieces, you could go back for more.
To balance out the flavors, the BAKED SALTED FISH is something that you could have. The fish got the flavor of the sea and is soft from end to end.
The MAIN EVENT would be the ITALIAN PORCHETTA.
The pig was stuffed with more pork belly and a lot of spices. Making each bite flavorful and delicious. The skin was heavenly and the meat tender.

For drinks, you can't go wrong with MARCO POLO'S ICED TEA. Not too sweet and just right.
Congratulations to MARCO POLO ORTIGAS for having a new CHEF DE CUISINE. Great Job Chef GIUSSEPE.


RELATED LINKS:
MARCO POLO: The in depth staycation guide.


MARCO POLO ORTIGAS
(02) 720 7777
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City,
Metro Manila

Disclaimer: Was invited to this event. Wrote this based on my experience.
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Sunday, August 21, 2016
MARCO POLO ORTIGAS: ALL THINGS SWISS

MARCO POLO ORTIGAS celebrates ALL THINGS SWISS from August 19 to September 4, 2016.
Different gastronomic treats from chocolate to cheese and wine could be experienced at MARCO POLO ORTIGAS.
 For their in house restaurant CUCINA, Swedish dishes are on hand to celebrate the experience.
One could start off with the Raclette Cheese. CHEF ROLF JAEGGI serves and prepares the dish personally. He is a Swiss borne culinary expert that has a vast international experience. CUCINA guests would definitely welcome him with open arms and open mouths.
 After starting with cheese, the BEEF CARPACCIO with BEEF TARTAR would be the way to go. Served with a perfectly cooked quail egg, mache leaves and lemon pepper marinade, the flavors are all brought out. The freshness of the meat is spot on.

 TO warm up the appetite, the SWISS BARLEY SOUP is presented. Mixed with herbs and viande des grisons, this is very light.
 
 For the main, one could go for the VEAL ZURICHOISE with ROSTI POTATOES. The veal was tender and delightfully done. The Rosti is almost like hash browns but a bit more light and salty in a good way.
 For dessert, the PLUM TART with Vanilla snaps and whipped cream would be the right ending. Not too sweet and just right, the crisp gave it a different texture.
 Other diners need not worry as all the favorites are still present in the buffet.
 An assortment of fresh seafood are their for the picking. One could also go for the grilling station and have different skewers cooked.
 The meat section is also filled with prime rib and their cochinillo.

Guests would also enjoy the freshly made pralines that are available at Cafe Pronto.
What a perfect time to visit MARCO POLO ORTIGAS.
"Monday to Thursday at Php 1,500 for lunch buffet and Php 1,800 for dinner buffet. Weekend rates for Friday to Sunday at Php 2,300 for lunch and Php 2,500 for dinner buffet. A Special gift from Turkish Airlines awaits lucky guests."


RELATED LINKS:
MARCO POLO ORTIGAS: The In depth Staycation guide
MARCO POLO ORTIGAS: The Cucina Buffet
MARCO POLO MANILA: LUNG HIN Chinese Restaurant

MARCO POLO ORTIGAS
(02) 720 7777
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City,
Metro Manila
FACEBOOK

Disclaimer: was invited to this event. wrote this based on my experience.
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